5 Ways To Support Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones play a major role in all aspects of our health. When we say hormonal imbalances we are referring to hormones including stress hormones, sex hormones and our hunger hormones. When our hormones are imbalance it may present as fluctuations in weight, fatigue, breakouts, how we sleep, our moods, metabolising food and of course our menstrual cycles. Imbalanced hormones can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms and in some cases chronic conditions. This is why regulating hormones is essential to our wellbeing and how we influence these with the food we eat can have a major impact on benefitting our hormones and overall health. 

The following are top 5 tips for balancing hormones:

1. Eating for you hormones. 

Eating a whole-foods diet provides an array of nutrients required for a healthy reproductive system. A whole-foods diet means eating a diet with minimal processed foods, with foods as close to their natural state as possible, think more from the earth and less from a packet. For optimum health we recommend a diet high in vegetables and fruit, with legumes, whole grains, lean protein from both animal and plant sources, nuts and seeds and fermented foods.

Variety is key and eating a rainbow of foods will support you to reach your nutrient requirements to support your hormones. Limiting saturated fats and deep fried foods, sugar, refined carbohydrates and caffeine is recommended as these foods can have adverse effects on our hormones

2. Get moving!

Moving your body every day is essential for healthy hormones. Exercising regularly is excellent for supporting cortisol levels (stress hormone). We recommend a combination of low intensity exercise like walking, yoga and pilates as well as some higher intensity options like resitence training and HIIT.

Note: Exercising regularly may be linked with lower oestrogen levels and reduced risk of endometriosis. It is important to avoid strenuous physical activity during menstruation, which may affect risk.

3. Prioritise sleep.

Sleep is the cornerstone for optimal hormonal health and metabolism. Our growth hormones, melatonin, cortisol, leptin and ghrelin (hunger hormones) are all linked to sleep and your circadian rhythm. Sleep hygiene is imperative, we recommend establishing a regular bedtime and waking time, avoiding bright lights and screen time before bed, avoid caffeine after midday, aim for 7-9 hours and waking refreshed.

We love Gaia Botanica Dream as our nightcap to help us rest our heads easy.

4. Manage stress.

Stress can wreak havoc on your hormones– in particular your reproductive hormones, cortisol and growth hormones. Incorporate daily stress reduction activities that you enjoy; try yoga, relaxation exercises, mindfulness apps, exercise or breath work to support bring your hormones back into balance.

5. Gaia Botanica Balance

Our Balance blend was created with your hormones in mind. Balance is complex, spicy brew of warming and purifying botanicals traditionally used to support liver detoxification and restore hormonal balance.  It's ingredients include dandelion, cinnamon, ginger, red clover, vanilla, cardamom, turmeric, chicory, clove, black pepper. 

Dandelion is traditionally used to support liver detoxification and to tonify the kidney. Ginger, commonly used to detoxify the body, has warming and nourishing qualities. Red clover is rich in isoflavones. These are found to help regulate and balance sex hormones. Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, helps to support the function of the liver and gastrointestinal system. Chicory with its bitter qualities supports the regulation of a healthy appetite and supports digestion. Traditionally used to balance gallbladder and liver function. 

This formula was designed to support balanced, healthy hormones and banish fatigue, mood swings and low libido and other dreaded symptoms caused by imbalanced hormones.